WE’RE NOT EXAGGERATING when we say that the final day of the Npower Championship could not have been more exciting. Here’s how the unbelievable drama unfolded:
12.45: Hull kick off at home to champions Cardiff City knowing that a win would guarantee automatic promotion to the Premier League. Watford, who kick off at home to Leeds, need to win and hope that Hull lose to leapfrog the Tigers into second spot.
1.10: Watford’s 19-year-old keeper Jonathan Bond — called in as a last minute replacement for the injured Manuel Almunia — is seriously injured and after lengthy treatment is replaced by third-choice keeper Jack Bonham, also 19.
[Phil Cole/PA Wire/Press Association Images]
1:30: Dominic Poleon scores to put Leeds 1-0 up.
1.32: The fourth official at Vicarage Road signals for 16 minutes of stoppage time. 16 MINUTES.
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1.35: Half-time between Hull and Cardiff at the KC Stadium. Still 0-0.
1.38: Almen Abdi equalises for Watford in first-half stoppage time (there was plenty of it).
1.51: Referee Graham Salisbury blows for half-time after almost 18 minutes of additional time at Vicarage Road. Watford 1-1 Leeds.
1.57: Frazier Campbell scores for Cardiff and, as it stands, Watford will be promoted to the Premier League. #scenes
2.05: Nick Proschwitz equalises for Hull but the race is still on a knife edge until…
2.09: PAUL MCSHANE SCORES A POTENTIAL £100 MILLION GOAL!
Hull lead 2-1 and are back in the promotion driving seat thanks to their Irish international.
[Mike Egerton/PA Wire/Press Association Images]
2.22: Watford are down to 10 men as Troy Deeney is sent off. Promotion is slip sliding away from Zola’s boys.
[Phil Cole/PA Wire/Press Association Images]
2.37: PENALTY TO HULL!
With a minute to play, Hull get a penalty. There’s a delay as the home fans invade the pitch.
2.39: PROSWITCHZ MISSES!
The drama… and then
2.41: PENALTY TO CARDIFF!
They couldn’t, could they?
2.42: THEY COULD!
Nicky Maynard, back after a long injury lay-off, scores the spotter and it finishes Hull 2-2 Cardiff. Disaster for Hull. Watford now have six minutes to find a winner and nick promotion.
YouTube Credit: joeshep90
2.51: DISASTER!
Ross McCormack scores for Leeds, shattering Watford’s hopes, and it’s a disaster for young goalkeeper Jack Bonham who, remember, is only playing because of two injuries. He’s caught off his line and lobbed for the winner.
YouTube Credit: sammyvoltz
YouTube Credit: Bishx43
2.55: Full time at Vicarage Road and it finishes Watford 1-2 Leeds. Hull are automatically promoted and Watford join Brighton, Crystal Palace and Leicester in the play-offs.
